Important Questions: Population: Distribution, Density, Growth & Composition | Geography Class 12 - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

Very Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: What was the total population of India according to the 2011 census, and what percentage of the world's population did it represent?
Ans: The total population of India according to the 2011 census was 121.02 crores, representing 16.7% of the world's population.

Q2: In terms of population and area, where does India rank globally?
Ans: India ranks 2nd in terms of population and 7th in terms of area worldwide.

Q3: When was the first complete census held in India?
Ans: The first complete census in India was held in 1881.

Q5: Which state in India has the highest population density, and what is the density?
Ans: Bihar has the highest population density in India, with 1102 persons per square kilometer.

Q7: What are the average birth rate and death rates in India?
Ans: The average birth rate in India is 21 per thousand, and the death rate is 7.9 per thousand.

Q8: How many villages are there in India according to the 2011 census?
Ans: According to the 2011 census, there are 6,40,867 villages in India.

Short Answer Type Questions

Q9: What is the significance of the year 1921 in India's demographic history?
Ans: The year 1921 marked a significant shift in India's population growth. Until 1921, the population remained relatively stable. However, after 1921, there was a steady increase in population, leading to rapid growth in subsequent decades.

Q10: Explain the factors responsible for the high rate of population growth in India.
Ans: The high rate of population growth in India can be attributed to several factors, including a decline in death rates due to improved medical facilities, increased life expectancy, and a fall in infant mortality rates. Additionally, migration from neighboring countries and internal migration for better economic opportunities have contributed to the rapid growth.

Q11: Describe the occupational structure of the population in India based on the 2001 census data.
Ans: According to the 2001 census data, more than half of the main workers in India were engaged in agricultural activities. Cultivators accounted for 31.71% of the workforce, while agricultural laborers constituted 26.69%. The rest of the workforce was divided between workers in household industries (4.07%) and other workers (37.58%) engaged in non-agricultural activities.

Q12: Discuss the factors responsible for the declining trend in the sex ratio in India.
Ans: The declining trend in the sex ratio in India can be attributed to social biases favoring male children, leading to female infanticide and neglect. Additionally, higher mortality rates among females, especially during childhood and reproductive age, contribute to the decline. Pre-birth sex determination leading to female foeticide is another significant factor.

Q13: Explain the concept of arithmetic density of population. Why is it considered a crude measure of population density?
Ans: Arithmetic density of population is calculated by dividing the total population of an area by its total land area, usually expressed per square kilometer. However, it is considered a crude measure because it does not take into account the distribution of population within the area. It includes uninhabitable or less habitable areas, making it less sensitive to variations in population density.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q1: Describe the geographical distribution of different language families in India.
Ans: India's linguistic diversity includes four main language families:

1. Austric Family: Spoken by 6.2 million tribal people, including Munda in Jharkhand, Khasi in Meghalaya, and Nicobari in Nicobar Islands.

2. Sino-Tibetan Family: Found in the Himalayan region with languages like Tibetan, Ladakhi, Bodo, and Naga, spoken by various tribal groups.

3. Dravidian Family: Common in the Deccan Plateau, with Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, and Telugu as key languages in southern states, along with smaller languages like Tulu and Kodava.

4. Aryan Family: Dominant in northern India, with Hindi as the principal language. Other significant languages include Urdu, Bengali, Punjabi, Marathi, and Oriya.

5. Dardic and Aryan Branches: Spoken widely across northern plains, making up the majority, with Hindi being the fourth most spoken language globally.

Q2: Describe briefly the factors responsible for the variations in the density of population in India.
Ans: The following factors determine the density of the population:

• Land Relief and Soil Fertility: Plains with fertile soil, like river valleys, attract higher populations due to favorable conditions for agriculture and infrastructure, unlike mountains or areas with poor soil.

• Climate and Rainfall: Moderate climates with adequate rainfall, as in West Bengal, support denser populations, while extreme climates (e.g., deserts, cold regions) discourage settlements.

• Water and Irrigation: Proximity to rivers or irrigation facilities supports agriculture and thus higher populations; water-scarce areas like deserts have sparse populations.

• Economic Resources: Mineral-rich areas and developed industries, as seen in the Damodar Valley, attract people due to job opportunities.

• Transportation and Urbanization: Regions with developed transportation and urban infrastructure attract populations, whereas inaccessible areas have low density.

Q3: Discuss the trend of urbanisation in India with special reference to the post-independence period.
Ans: Urbanization in India, especially in the post-independence period, has been a significant and complex phenomenon. India, which was primarily an agrarian economy at the time of independence in 1947, has witnessed a rapid increase in urban population and the growth of cities and towns. Several factors have contributed to this trend of urbanization in India:
1. Population Growth: India's population has been steadily increasing since independence. The population explosion has put pressure on rural resources and led to migration towards urban areas in search of better opportunities and living conditions.

2. Industrialization and Economic Opportunities: The post-independence period saw a shift from agrarian economy to industrial and service sectors. Urban areas became hubs of economic activities, offering jobs in manufacturing, services, and technology sectors. This attracted a large population from rural areas to cities.

3. Infrastructure Development: Investments in infrastructure development, such as better transportation, communication, and healthcare facilities, have made urban areas more attractive for habitation. Urban centers offer better access to education, healthcare, and other essential services.

4. Government Policies and Programs: Various government policies and programs have been implemented to promote urban development. Initiatives like Smart Cities Mission and Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) aim to enhance the quality of life in urban areas, making them more habitable.

5. Globalization and Urban Influence: Globalization has led to the growth of industries and services in urban centers, making them more cosmopolitan and diverse. This cultural diversity often attracts people from different regions and backgrounds.